Fernando Mendoza Reveals Status for NFL Combine Amid Raiders, No. 1 Draft Pick Rumors

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza confirmed that he'll attend the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine but declined to reveal if he'll participate, per Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk.

Even if Mendoza doesn't throw at the combine, it's isn't hard to envision the Las Vegas Raiders selecting him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Raiders majority owner Mark Davis and minority owner Tom Brady were both on the sidelines to watch Mendoza and the Hoosiers take down Miami in the College Football Playoff Championship Game.

There's belief within the NFL that Las Vegas selecting the 22-year-old is a strong possibility as well.

"I don't see anyone else going 1," a league source told ESPN's Josh Weinfuss. "It's [Mendoza's], in my opinion."

Mendoza is coming off an impressive 2025 campaign, becoming the first Indiana player to ever earn Heisman Trophy honors.

He completed 72.0 percent of his throws for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns compared to a mere six interceptions, averaging 9.3 yards per attempt. Mendoza also found the end zone seven times on the ground.

He remained efficient throughout Indiana's CFP run, racking up 555 yards and eight touchdowns without getting picked off in three playoff games.

Mendoza was also projected to be off the board with the No. 1 pick in the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department.

B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson highlighted the signal-caller's processing speed in his scouting report.

"Mendoza has the build of a traditional pocket passer and a polished passing skill set that translates well to the NFL," Parson wrote. "He excels as a quick post-snap processor and quick decision-maker with the football."

The 2026 combine will run from Feb. 26 through March 1.